FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Californians could soon get the chance to weigh in on the state’s future as an independent country.
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, announced Wednesday that a proposed initiative to put the question of California independence before voters has been cleared to begin collecting signatures.
The measure, spearheaded by Fresno native, Marcus Evans, would ask voters in November 2028: “Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?”
Under the initiative, the vote would not immediately alter California’s government or its relationship with the U.S.
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Instead, if at least 50% of registered voters turn out and 55% vote “yes,” it would signal “a vote of no confidence in the United States of America” and establish the public’s desire for independence.
The measure also calls for a new commission to assess the state’s viability as an independent nation.
The Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance estimate the initiative could cost around $10 million in one-time election and commission setup expenses, with about $2 million in annual costs to operate the commission.
To qualify for the ballot, Evans must gather signatures from 546,651 registered voters, five percent of those who voted in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Signatures must be submitted to county elections officials by April 13, 2026.
If approved, the measure would mark another step in a long history of discussions about California independence, a topic that has drawn both passionate support and sharp criticism over the years.